In the Town of Klasma, a brightly lit tavern was bustling with activity even though it was past midnight.
"Hahahaha... Drink, let's drink together, let's have a good drink! Tonight, I'm going to drink with Badi until we're both drunk, let's fight three hundred rounds!"
"Haha! Cheers to my reunion with my fiancée!"
With one arm around Kishirika and the other holding a glass full of ale, Badigadi tilted his head back and took a swig.
He didn't seem to care that the liquor was dripping down his chin.
The celebration was in full swing... After drinking with his fiancée for a short while, Badigadi took his glass and approached Luo Ge and Nanahoshi.
First, he poured Luo Ge a glass of ale, then Ren patted the table.
"Hey! What's the point of drinking alone? If you're going to drink, just drink together... that way it'll be more lively."
Seeing how enthusiastic Badigadi was, Luo Ge had no choice but to join them.
Even Nanahoshi couldn't resist the urge to join in...
Sitting next to Luo Ge, she had initially wanted to persuade Luo Ge to drink less, as she strongly disliked the taste of alcohol, but before she knew it, she was also influenced by the atmosphere and joined in.
Nanahoshi has always disliked drinking, especially men who drink.
Because her father was like that, always drinking and going out drinking for business, and every time he came back late at night... he was covered in the smell of alcohol.
In Nanahoshi's childhood memories, her parents always argued for this reason, but they would miraculously make up again soon afterward.
As Nanahoshi grew up, she gradually became more sensible. Although she could understand her father's predicament—the social obligations and helplessness of an adult—she still instinctively hated drinking.
In this unfamiliar and strange world, Nanahoshi finally made a brave attempt to challenge her own weaknesses.
but...
She was really not a heavy drinker; after only two or three sips, her face and ears began to turn red quickly, and she was in a slightly tipsy state.
Not long after... she had just declared that she would challenge the Demon King and become the hero of another world... she suddenly tilted her head and collapsed to the ground.
This caused Badigadi and Kishirika to burst into laughter.
"Ugh... what a disgraceful woman!"
After helping the unconscious Nanahoshi up from the ground, Luo Ge couldn't help but let out a long sigh.
His tone revealed both helplessness and a touch of amusement.
In short, Luo Ge had only one assessment of the Nanahoshi.
That means you have to practice more if you're bad at cooking.
Unlike myself, I can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk.
Even the Wisdom Demon King before him couldn't outdrink him.
"Hahaha... I'm so happy today, really happy... I haven't been this happy in a long time, not only to reunite with my fiancée, but also to meet a human friend like you, Luo Ge."
"Drink as much as you want tonight, and the entire bill... will be paid by my fiancée!"
These words sent the tavern into a frenzy, with everyone celebrating and marveling at the generosity of the Wisdom Demon King.
Under this atmosphere, Luo Ge and the Wisdom Demon King gradually became more familiar with each other.
After half a round of drinks...
Luo Ge chatted with Badigadi about the customs and culture of the Demon Continent for a while, when suddenly he seemed to have thought of something and at that moment he seemed to have finally made a decision and was ready to go all out.
"Your Majesty Badi... may I ask you a question?"
"Okay, I'll take care of it. Just let me know if you have any questions."
"It's too noisy and crowded here. Shall we find a quieter place?"
"Can!"
Badigadi nodded cheerfully, offering no objection.
The two then went to a window seat in the tavern and sat down facing each other.
"Ask me anything you want!" Badigadi spoke first.
"Then I won't stand on ceremony."
Luo Ge took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing slightly, and suddenly his tone became very serious. "Before that, I might mention someone's name that will make you uncomfortable... but I can assure you, I have absolutely no connection with that guy whatsoever."
"So when you hear this name, please don't get excited and immediately start attacking."
"Don't worry... I promise you, I won't lay a hand on you."
After repeated emphasis and with Badigadi's assurance, Luo Ge finally felt comfortable enough to voice the biggest question that had been lurking in his heart.
"Excuse me, Your Majesty Badi... have you ever heard of the term 'Hitogami' (the Hitogami )?"
As soon as these words were spoken, even the air seemed to freeze.
Meanwhile, Luo Ge had already prepared a defensive strategy. If the other party also had a grudge against that Hitogami, they might attack like the Dragon God before, going berserk.
Although the Dragon God had killed him and didn't seem like a good person... the Hitogami remained highly suspicious in Luo Ge's mind.
After all, the Dragon God wanted to kill him, not because he had a grudge against the Dragon God. From a causal point of view, he was completely implicated by the Hitogami in this situation.
It seems that the Hitogami is not the only enemy of the Dragon God; there is also the former owner of the laboratory, the Demon Dragon King Laplace, who is also an enemy of the Hitogami.
So many enemies, they're everywhere...
Therefore, Luo Ge had already prepared himself mentally, in case the other party was also one of the enemies offended by the Hitogami. These words were a way of giving the other party a heads-up in advance.
While Luo Ge was fully focused on Badigadi's actions.
However, a long time passed, and Badigadi still showed no reaction, only a somewhat somber expression.
Six arms were crossed and rested on the table, muscles taut, as if deep in thought.
"His Majesty?"
Luo Ge tentatively called out to the other person.
"By the way, where did you hear this name from?"
Badigadi's voice suddenly lowered, and he seemed like a completely different person from the hearty, laughing demon king he had been just moments before.
Just as Luo Ge hesitated about whether to speak, Badigadi shook his head and said, "It's alright if you don't want to talk about it... I'm not very clear about the clues regarding the Hitogami either."
"I see."
Luo Ge was somewhat disappointed.
Although Luo Ge subconsciously felt that Badigadi seemed to be hiding something, even if it was only for a moment, Luo Ge still caught the change in Badigadi.
His pupils contracted sharply when he heard the name.
It was this instantaneous change that made Luo Ge realize that this Wisdom Demon King, who had lived for so long, must know something.
But for some unknown reason, they ultimately chose to conceal the clues.
Luo Ge didn't give up, but instead tried to change the subject. " The Hitogami... Your Majesty hasn't heard of him, but surely Your Majesty has heard of the Dragon God Orsted, one of the Seven Great Powers?"
"Yes! I have indeed heard of that name."
Badigadi nodded, his tone becoming more serious, "... He seems to be a figure who appeared within the last hundred years, first inheriting the name of the Dragon God, and then becoming the second of the Seven Great Powers in a short period of time."
"That guy... I've never seen him, but he must be a very terrifying individual."
"... I don't know why you're asking about this person? But I advise you to stay away from him."
Badigadi's final warning has begun to take on a serious tone.
He had always been the kind of person who was carefree and easygoing, and this was the first time Luo Ge had ever seen such a serious expression on his face.
It is clear that he must have been extremely wary of the Dragon God.
"Even Your Majesty the Demon King, you can't defeat the Dragon God?"
"... I can't beat them."
"That guy is incredibly powerful; he's someone you absolutely shouldn't mess with. In short, if you can avoid him, try to stay away from him, especially in front of others... don't mention the words 'Hitogami '."
"Oh, right, I almost forgot to ask, why are you asking about the Dragon God?"
When Badigadi's curious gaze fell on Luo Ge, Luo Ge looked back at him as well.
The two locked eyes, Luo Ge suddenly spoke.
"The reason I inquired about the Dragon God is because I already met the Dragon God seven years ago."
"What?"
"What did you say? You've already met the Dragon God?"
Badigadi's tone clearly carried a hint of surprise, and even Luo Ge himself was unsure why he suddenly had such a surprised expression, as if he had seen a ghost.
In short, is seeing the Dragon God really such a rare thing?
But Luo Ge didn't dwell on the details and continued, "Yes, that's right! I'm pretty sure that person is the Dragon God Orsted, with silver hair, golden eyes, and an aura that makes him seem unapproachable."
"Where?"
"In the Red Dragon Mountains... or more precisely, the upper jaw of the Red Dragon Mountains, I had just left the starting village that year when I turned a corner and encountered the Dragon God Orsted."
"I see."
Badigadi stroked his chin, scrutinizing Luo Ge intently, as if pondering something. His six arms were propped on the table, like a contemplative sculpture.
Badigadi's expression was serious, extremely serious.
Luo Ge was also a little confused by the other party's attitude.
"... You're still alive?"
"Yes, I'm still alive. Is there a problem?"
You're really lucky.
Why do you say that?
"Because no one who has been targeted by the Dragon God has ever survived... Your survival itself is a miracle."
After a long period of seriousness, Badigadi finally couldn't help but burst into a hearty laugh, "Hahaha... Tell me in detail, I've suddenly become interested in what happened to you."
Afterwards, Luo Ge told Badigadi about his past with sincerity, hoping that this knowledgeable Demon King could give him some advice.
In short, after listening to Luo Ge recount his past experience, Badigadi frowned and stared wide-eyed at Luo Ge: "So? You mean you encountered the Dragon God when you were five years old, and then escaped from the Dragon God?"
"Right."
"I almost died! But when I fell off the cliff, I was accidentally caught in a teleportation magic circle and was trapped in the Dragon God Hole Labyrinth for two and a half years before I finally escaped."
"Speaking of this experience, it was indeed very embarrassing, Your Majesty Badi... you mustn't laugh at it."
However, Badigadi did not laugh out loud, nor did he utter a single word of mockery.
on the contrary.
Badigadi's gaze toward Luo Ge grew increasingly strange; to put it simply, it was as if he were looking at a monster.
"I already know about your situation. In short, my advice to you is to stay away... as far away as you can, and never appear before the Dragon God again."
However, Luo Ge shook his head. "Originally, I did have that plan, but I don't intend to live in secrecy forever. In fact, to avoid implicating my family, I deliberately kept my distance... I even thought about never going back again."
"But then something happened, and I suddenly understood."
"Rather than living a life of ignominy, I'd rather live a life of glory and show my true abilities. Therefore, one day in the future, I will definitely challenge the Dragon God myself."
"... until the Dragon God Orsted is killed."
"Ha ha ha... Kill the Dragon God? I acknowledge your resolve."
Badigadi laughed loudly, then changed the subject, "How about this, if you ever go to challenge the Dragon God in the future, you can let me know in advance."
"Why?"
"Because I also have high expectations for you. The Dragon God is the second strongest of the Seven Great Powers. Even if I can't kill him... I imagine your battle will be quite spectacular."
"Yes, I will definitely inform His Majesty Badi in advance, but how exactly should I contact you?"
"No need to make a special effort to contact them... If you really want to challenge the Dragon God, just post a message in the Adventurers' Guild... I'll naturally find a way to do it."
After a pause, Badigadi suddenly suggested, "Before you challenge the Dragon God, I have another suggestion. Would you like to hear it?"
What suggestions?
"So you want to fight me? Show me your true skills, I want to see your full strength."
Seeing Badigadi's eager expression and his eyes brimming with fighting spirit, Luo Ge smiled slightly, "You're welcome, Your Majesty!"
But just as the two went outside, before they actually started fighting, Badigadi suddenly grinned and held up one finger. "Oh, right... wait a minute! You're only allowed to hit me once!"